Question:
Could this be a hernia?

I am nearly 3 weeks post-op (open RNY) and my incision is still very tender. I feel a great deal of pulling from the top of the incision, and about mid way down, I have a very firm, almost hard area. This area is especially tender, and the pain seems to be deeper. It seems to get more painful the longer I stand or walk. I saw my surgeon 10 days ago, and he said that everything was fine, but isn't it unusual for me to still require pain killers this far out?    — Robbin T. (posted on February 23, 2003)

February 23, 2003
I was on pain meds for about a month. My incision hurt like the dickens for about 4-6 weeks. Felt like the bugger was burning.
   — LionGirl2k

February 23, 2003
Robbin, the bulge you feel at your incision is scar tissue. My doc says it is normal. As it is healing it will hurt you a little and will be nice and hard. I was scared too. Don't worry; with time it will go away. I still have it and am 3 months out.
   — Regina C.

February 24, 2003
I had a lot of pain around and above my incision, most of it when I moved a certain way. I was sure it was a hernia, but my surgeon didn't think so. I wasn't wearing a bra at this time because of pain at the top of the incision. Well as soon as I started wearing my bra regularly the pain went away. The weight of my breasts must have been putting pressure on the incision. Good Luck! Kristy open rny 12/3/02 -50 lbs
   — Kristy L.